Listing Actions and Information with -고

In Korean, you can combine two short sentences into one natural sentence using the ending -고 .

-고 is a connecting ending that simply lists two or more actions, states, or facts. It works similarly to the English word "and".

While it often connects actions that happen one after another, -고 itself does not force a strict time order. Its main job is just to put two pieces of information side by side.

Attaching -고 is very straightforward. You simply take the dictionary form of a verb or adjective, drop the -다 , and add -고 .

Basic Form

먹다 → 먹고

넓다 → 넓고

가다 → 가고

Typically, you only apply the tense or the polite ending (like -아요/-어요) to the very last verb in the sentence. The -고 attached to the first verb stays in its basic form.

You can use -고 to list actions (verbs) or states (adjectives).

Listing Actions

밥을 먹어요. + 커피를 마셔요.

밥을 먹고 커피를 마셔요.

Listing States

방이 넓어요. + 깨끗해요.

방이 넓고 깨끗해요.

When speaking, you can use the word 그리고 (and) to start a new sentence, but using -고 sounds much more natural when the two ideas are closely related.

Two Sentences

사과가 싸요. 그리고 맛있어요.

The apples are cheap. And they are delicious.

One Connected Sentence

사과가 싸고 맛있어요.

The apples are cheap and delicious.

Tip: Both are correct, but connecting them with -고 helps your Korean flow much better!